My Professional Portfolio
I am an energetic and positive individual with a passion for education, holistic health and adventure. I find peace in my natural surroundings and like to share my experiences in the out-of-doors with those around me. I am motivated by my comfort level in an environment, the feedback I obtain from my work and the support I receive from family, friends, colleagues and educators. I am analytical in nature and learn most effectively in a kinesthetic style; therefore I prefer to educate with interactive and experiential approaches. I have a kind, patient and caring manner and derive happiness from the sound of laughter and the knowledge that my assistance has helped someone improve their day and ultimately their overall health. I have the ability to instill my passion and enthusiasm for something into those who work with me and who are educated by me, as well as recognize and embrace individual differences. I practice respect and honesty in all of my professional, social and personal connections and appreciate a work and educational space that allows and acknowledges my growth.
Through my school and cooperative work experiences, I have developed a strong set of skills ranging from teamwork, leadership, personal management, research, communication and problem solving. I have learned how to build a sustainable, healthy and happy living and recreational space through my community engagement. I have the ability to organize, plan and implement recreation-based programs and events for community members of all ages and evaluate to improve in the future. I can create a fun, educational and safe environment for children and youth to express their imaginations and recognize that every child has a different learning pace and style. I am competent in building community partnerships with the members of a neighborhood, local businesses, fellow colleagues and neighboring communities.
My career path began in the later high school years, working as a baker and sales representative for a local bakery. It was here that I discovered my love for interacting with people; so was the beginning of my first competency development, quality customer service. I soon realized that I needed to find a position that allowed me to educate people, rather than sell them product. I then pursued my lifeguard and swim instructor training, which I have continued and enjoyed throughout my university career. Here, I learned how effective team work is to achieve goals in the work place and in the face of an emergency. While teaching swimming lessons, I discovered my voice, creativity, enthusiasm and teaching styles. This position required patience and the ability to adapt quickly to new participants, patrons and emergencies. In training, I learned how to think quickly on my feet and how to resolve conflict in a fair and professional manner.
For my second cooperative work term, I was chosen to travel to Wales as an outdoor activity instructor for an out-of-doors sleep away camp. The ages ranged from 6 to 18 years as did the abilities of each group who came to visit. The ability to adapt was once again required as leaders were never with the same group for a long period of time and had to be flexible to each group’s physical and mental abilities, especially in outdoor activities. Communication in this position was the one of the most significant requirements and one that I developed immensely. I was expected to communicate to fellow leaders about lesson plans, evaluate our leadership styles and their fit with the groups, resolve and reflect on any conflicts from the day, and communicate about space and equipment use with other groups. Communication with the groups using our summer camps was also imperative; I learned how, much like my leadership styles, to adapt my communication depending on the abilities of the group. I also discovered how to build a community and that it takes communal effort from a team, along with a passionate drive, to create a harmonious and positive environment for everyone.
My next job position was at Oaklands Community Centre as the Youth Programmer. Here, I was responsible for creating, planning, implementing and evaluating programs, organizing community events and researching and applying for grants to help fund my programs. I did not even imagine the incredible opportunities and extremely important learning curve that arose from this position! Here, I learned how to create connections within Oaklands and neighboring communities, build community spirit, improve my youth programs through various social media pages and in schools, and most significantly, how to let my creativity shine. My communication skills improved immensely through my daily interactions on e-mail, telephone and face-to-face. I learned how to become more personally organized and to prioritize and manage tasks. These skills were put to the challenge when I received another position as the coordinator of a youth leadership program through Oaklands Community Centre and the City of Victoria. Balancing two demanding job positions was work in itself; I had to become even more organized, delegating half of my day to each position. With each mistake I learned something valuable about my boundaries, work habit and expectations of a job position. I learned how to communicate my needs and ask questions or for assistance when I was uncertain.
The field of Recreation and Health Education was my career choice because it accommodates my open mind, creativity and zeal for continuous learning. It allows me to express my passion for health and explore new health alternatives, recreational activities, community opportunities and education. I dream to pursue a career in education through Outdoor Adventure Therapy, and have made it a goal to collect the education I need to do that!